Heating safety advice given

Heating fuel costs each winter spur many area residents to explore different sources to provide heat for their homes.

Franklin County Fire District fire marshal Scott Martin says the use of wood-burning stoves is growing and space heaters generally are selling rapidly because of the prolonged frigid temperatures this winter.

“Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. All these methods of heating may be acceptable. However, they are a major contributing factor in home fires,” said Martin.

Many of these fires can be prevented, he said. “Residents can prevent the loss of life and property resulting from heating fires by being able to identify potential hazards and following a few safety tips.”